Due to the new European data protection law, we need your consent before you use our website:

We use cookies and other technologies to customize your experience, perform analytics and deliver
personalized advertising on our sites, apps and newsletters and across the Internet based on your
interests. By clicking “I agree” below, you consent to the use by us and our third-party partners of
cookies and data gathered from your use of our platforms. See our Privacy Policy
and Third Party Partners to learn
more about the use of data and your rights. You also agree to our
Terms of Service.

Clinton in Nevada: 'Not everything is about an economic theory'

HENDERSON, Nev. — Hillary Clinton took her "single issue" critique of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) even further Saturday, telling an audience in the Las Vegas suburbs that she was "the only candidate who'll take on every barrier to progress." In a call-and-response, new to her stump speech, Clinton rattled off social and political problems, and her audience loudly confirmed that they couldn't be solved simply by reforming the financial sector.

"Not everything is about an economic theory, right?" Clinton asked her audience of a few hundred activists, most of them wearing T-shirts from the unions that had promoted the rally. "If we broke up the big banks tomorrow — and I will, if they deserve it, if they pose a systemic risk, I will — would that end racism?"

"No!" shouted her audience.

"Would that end sexism?"

"No!"

"Would that end discrimination against the LGBT community?"

"No!"

"Would that make people feel more welcoming to immigrants overnight?"

"No!"

"Would that solve our problem with voting rights, and Republicans who are trying to strip them away from people of color, the elderly, and the young?"

"No!"

"Would that give us a real shot at ensuring our political system works better because we get rid of gerrymandering and redistricting and all of these gimmicks Republicans use to give themselves safe seats, so they can undo the progress we have made?"

The entire rally was crafted to push the "single issue" attack on Sanders, a sort of attempt to rewind the clock, and define the surging progressive candidate less as an idealist with bold solutions and more as a naif who isn't familiar enough with the causes of the rising left.